The early symptoms of nasal cancer often include a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sinus blockage, which can easily be mistaken for the flu or a common cold.
According to the American Cancer Society, nasal cancer (which includes cancers of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses) is rare and falls under the category of head and neck cancers. Head and neck cancers account for about 4% of all cancer cases, with nasal cancer comprising a small percentage. Nasal cancer is more common in older men, with 80% of cases occurring in individuals aged 55 and older.
Nasal cancer is divided into five stages from 0 to 4:
- Stage 0 is carcinoma in situ, meaning it is localized and has not spread. If detected early, this stage of cancer can be cured.
- Stage one indicates that cancer cells have spread throughout the mucous membrane or outer layer of the nasal cavity but have not invaded the bone or lymph nodes.
- Stage two shows that the cancer has invaded the bone but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
- At stage three, the tumor has grown into the bone and broader structures, affecting the lymph nodes.
- Stage 4 is metastatic cancer, meaning it has spread to organs in the body.
Many early signs of nasal cancer closely resemble symptoms of a cold or the flu, especially in the initial stages. Signs include a runny nose, nasal congestion, blockage of the nasal cavity, and fullness or obstruction of the sinuses.
Due to the similarity of these symptoms, many individuals diagnosed with nasal cancer are found to be in advanced stages. At this point, the cancer may have spread to nearby structures such as the eyes, often presenting symptoms such as nosebleeds or tooth pain.
For instance, a 2021 study involving 184 patients with nasal cavity cancer at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Research Center in Pakistan revealed that over 70% of participants were initially diagnosed at stage four.
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as a persistent runny nose, nasal congestion, or sinus blockage that do not improve with standard treatments should seek medical attention to determine the cause.
Nasal cancer also presents symptoms like nasal congestion and a runny nose, easily mistaken for a cold or flu. (Image source: Freepik).
Most nasal cancers diagnosed are squamous cell carcinomas, originating from the structures and glandular systems, such as salivary glands.
The maxillary sinus is the most common location for nasal cancer, with up to 90% of cases diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Less commonly affected areas include the nasal cavity, vestibule at the entrance of the nose, or the ethmoid sinus. The frontal sinus or sphenoid sinus are rarely involved.
Other types of cancer can also affect the sinuses and nasal cavity, such as skin cancer, lymphomas, and sarcomas (malignant tumors affecting bones and muscles). Neuroblastoma can also form in the tissues at the upper part of the nasal cavity, commonly seen in children.
Nasal cancer may be caused by genetic changes and gene mutations. Environmental factors also increase the risk of developing the disease. In some cases, this exposure is related to inhaling dust from nickel, chromium, skin, textiles, wood; radiation exposure like radium found in paints; or contact with adhesives, mineral oils, and formaldehyde.
Smoking and alcohol use are also risk factors for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus may also play a role in the development of these cancers.
Nasal endoscopy, X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET scans, and tissue biopsies are used to diagnose nasal cancer.
Treatment for nasal cancer depends on overall health, the stage of the disease, and tumor spread. Stage one disease can often be cured through surgery. As malignant tumors progress, treatment options typically include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and targeted therapy. For advanced patients, treatment is often palliative care aimed at alleviating symptoms and extending life.
